Floating turbine, electricity generation plant, and electricity generation method

Abstract

The invention relates to a floating turbine (1), arranged on a body of water (E) subjected to tides in a cove (120) downstream of a water-retaining dike (110) forming the cove (120). The floating turbine (1) comprises a frame, an impeller wheel, an electric generator rotated by the impeller wheel, at least three injectors orienting flows of water towards the impeller wheel, and as many flexible water supply pipes (6) as there are injectors. Each flexible water supply pipe (6) is configured to be connected to a water intake (130) and to exert a pressing force on the frame, such that any movement of the floating turbine (1) caused by a change in the water level of the body of water (E) is combined with a rotational movement of the floating turbine (1). The invention further relates to an electricity generation plant (100) and to a method.

Description

Floating turbine, electricity generation facility and electricity generation method

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of electricity production, and more particularly to a floating turbine, an electricity production installation and an electricity production method.

[0002] There is a growing demand for renewable energy, or green energy. One of the most efficient solutions for generating electricity in a renewable manner is to use a turbine driven by the kinetic energy of a water current, i.e., hydroelectric power. For this type of production, it is traditional to place a turbine downstream of a dam built on a watercourse. However, until now, few solutions have been proposed in the prior art to take advantage of the energy of the sea, and in particular the water movements linked to the tides.

[0003] Therefore, the prior art solutions proposed for electricity generation installations still have drawbacks and improvements are possible.

[0004] The present invention aims in particular to solve the problems indicated above by proposing a floating turbine, an electricity production installation and an electricity production method.

[0005] Thus, the subject of the present invention is a floating electricity production turbine, configured to be arranged on a body of water subject to tides in a cove downstream of a water retaining dike forming the cove, characterized in that the floating turbine comprises: a frame, defining an axis of rotation and comprising a float assembly configured to float the floating turbine, the float assembly defining a waterline for the floating turbine and the floating turbine being further configured such that the axis of rotation is normal to a plane containing the waterline, called the waterline; a bladed wheel, connected in rotation to the frame and configured to rotate about the axis of rotation in a predetermined direction of rotation, the bladed wheel comprising a plurality of blades distributed over a circumference of the bladed wheel; an electric generator,fixed to the chassis and configured to be driven in rotation by the paddle wheel so as to produce electricity; at least three injectors, fixed to the chassis, regularly distributed around an outer periphery of the paddle wheel and arranged in the same plane, parallel to the waterline, each injector comprising an inlet opening and an outlet opening, the outlet opening being configured to, in use, direct tangentially to the paddle wheel a flow of water received by the inlet opening towards the blades of the paddle wheel opposite said injector, so as to cause rotation of the paddle wheel around the axis of rotation in the predetermined direction of rotation; as many flexible water supply pipes as there are injectors,each flexible water supply pipe being configured: to have buoyancy in the body of water when said flexible water supply pipe is filled with water from the body of water; to, in use, mechanically anchor the floating turbine to the water retaining dike; to be connected to one of the injectors in a one-to-one manner; to be fluidically connected, at a first end, to the inlet opening of the injector to which it is connected; to be, in use, fluidically connected, at a second end, to a water intake extending from an inner periphery of the cove, on the body of water side, the flexible water supply pipes being configured to all have the same length and to be connected in a one-to-one manner to water intakes regularly distributed over the inner periphery of the cove and arranged in the same plane,parallel to the water level of the body of water when the body of water is calm; and to comprise a frame, resistant to traction and compression in a longitudinal direction of the flexible water supply pipe, configured to, in use, allow the flexible water supply pipe, once connected to a water intake and to an injector, to exert a pressure force on the frame in the predetermined direction of rotation, via the injector to which it is connected, all the injectors being fixed to the frame at the same inclination in the predetermined direction of rotation and being configured to orient the pressure forces of the flexible water supply pipes around the axis of rotation in the predetermined direction of rotation, such that, in use, any movement of the floating turbine caused by a variation in the water level of the body of water,is automatically combined with a rotational movement of the floating turbine around the rotation axis, caused jointly by all the flexible water supply pipes, the first ends of the flexible water supply pipes being respectively wound and unwound around the floating turbine according to the variations in the water level of the body of water.,

[0006] A floating turbine according to the invention is configured to, in use, automatically adapt to variations in the water level of the body of water on which it is arranged, by rotating around the axis of rotation under the impulse of the flexible water supply pipes. A floating turbine according to the invention is therefore perfectly suited to taking advantage of the energy of the sea, and in particular of the movements of water linked to the tides. In addition, a floating turbine according to the invention does not require dedicated moorings to anchor the floating turbine to a water retaining dike, nor dedicated guide elements to guide a movement of the floating turbine according to variations in the water level of the body of water.

[0007] It will be understood in particular that, for each flexible water supply pipe, the reinforcement ensures that the length of the flexible water supply pipe remains constant throughout the use of the floating turbine.

[0008] For the purposes of the invention, the term "having buoyancy" means having the ability to remain on the surface and not sink in the body of water. It will be understood that this characteristic is notably linked to the salinity of the water used.

[0009] It will also be understood that, in use, when moving the floating turbine from the high tide position, or from the low tide position, to the mid-tide position, the floating turbine rotates in the predetermined direction of rotation. Similarly, it will be understood that, in use, when moving the floating turbine from the mid-tide position to the high tide position, or to the low tide position, the floating turbine rotates in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction of rotation. For example, a floating turbine according to the invention may be configured so that the rotation about the axis of rotation between the mid-tide position MM and the high tide position MH, or the low tide position MB, is between 10 and 15 degrees.

[0010] According to a particular embodiment, for each flexible water supply pipe, the reinforcement is configured to prevent deformation of an internal cross-section of the flexible water supply pipe, such that the internal cross-section remains constant when in the laboratory a vacuum of 1 bar is applied in said flexible water supply pipe.

[0011] It will be understood that this characteristic makes it possible in particular to guarantee good dimensional stability for flexible water supply pipes. Flexible water supply pipes can, for example, be of the dredging and discharge pipe type.

[0012] According to a particular embodiment, for each flexible water supply pipe, the reinforcement is further configured to provide resistance against twisting, crushing and local loading of the flexible water supply pipe.

[0013] It will be understood that these mechanical characteristics make it possible to improve the safety of use of the floating turbine and to increase the service life of the floating turbine.

[0014] According to a particular embodiment, each flexible water supply pipe comprises at least one of: an internal buoyancy layer made of a material configured to confer buoyancy to said flexible water supply pipe and an external buoyancy device made of a material configured to confer buoyancy to said flexible water supply pipe.

[0015] For example, each water supply hose may include an inner buoyancy layer of a material configured to provide buoyancy to the water supply hose. For example, buoyancy may be provided by multiple inner layers of the water supply hose.

[0016] According to another example, each water supply hose may include one or more external buoyancy devices made of a material configured to provide buoyancy to the water supply hose. The external buoyancy devices may, for example, be floats sequentially distributed along the water supply hose. It will further be understood that floats sequentially distributed along the water supply hose may protect the water supply hose from frictional wear, for example, in use, friction against the handle, and are preferably replaceable for replacement when excessively worn.

[0017] It will be understood that a combination of one or more internal buoyancy layers and one or more external buoyancy devices is possible to impart buoyancy capability to the water supply hoses.

[0018] According to a particular embodiment, each flexible water supply pipe can be configured so that, when filled with water, it has a buoyancy capacity with a portion emerging from the water. The portion emerging from the water can, for example, have a volume of between 2% and 20% of a total volume of the flexible water supply pipe.

[0019] According to a particular embodiment, the float assembly comprises as many float units as the floating turbine comprises injectors, the float units and the injectors being sequentially distributed around the periphery of the impeller, and each float unit comprising at least one float.

[0020] It will be understood that each float unit may comprise a single float, or a plurality of floats connected together to form the float unit. It will also be understood that, in a less preferred embodiment, all of the floats may be connected together to form a single float unit extending around the periphery of the impeller.

[0021] According to a particular embodiment, in a top view, an outer periphery of the frame defines as many teeth as the floating turbine comprises injectors, the teeth and injectors being sequentially distributed over the periphery of the impeller, and a radial extension of each tooth gradually decreasing in the predetermined direction of rotation, such that the teeth give the frame a shape similar to a circular saw blade, and, in any sectional view along a plane comprising the axis of rotation, a radial extension of each tooth is maximum at the water plane and gradually decreases on either side of the water plane, such that, in use, the first ends of the flexible water supply pipes are guided along the outer periphery of the frame when winding, or unwinding, the flexible water supply pipes,caused by a rotation of the floating turbine around the axis of rotation, caused by a variation in the water level of the body of water.,

[0022] It will be understood that with this configuration the outer periphery of the chassis is notably configured to guide the first ends of the flexible water supply pipes, and to promote rotation of the floating turbine in the predetermined direction of rotation around the axis of rotation.

[0023] According to a particular embodiment, the outer periphery of the frame comprises as many openings as teeth, each opening being arranged between two successive teeth, below an injector, and being configured to allow water to pass from an interior of the floating turbine to an exterior of the floating turbine.

[0024] It will be understood that this configuration makes it possible in particular to improve the evacuation of water towards the outside of the floating turbine, such that the water level of the body of water does not increase locally inside the floating turbine, such that, in use, the body of water does not come into contact with the impeller when the impeller rotates, which makes it possible not to brake the impeller and to improve the operating efficiency of the floating turbine. It will be understood, however, that, according to variants, other configurations are possible to form openings in the outer periphery of the frame, so as to improve evacuation of the water injected into the floating turbine.

[0025] According to a particular embodiment, the float assembly defines the outer periphery of the frame and the float units form the teeth.

[0026] It will be understood that, according to variants, the arrangement of the chassis could be different, the chassis could for example comprise a casing defining the outer periphery of the chassis, forming the teeth and surrounding the float assembly.

[0027] According to a particular embodiment, the floating turbine further comprises a speed multiplier coupled between the bladed wheel and the electric generator.

[0028] It will be understood that the speed multiplier makes it possible to improve the operating efficiency of the floating turbine.

[0029] According to a particular embodiment, the paddle wheel is dimensioned and connected to the frame such that a lower portion of the paddle wheel is disposed at or above the waterline, such that in use the paddle wheel is disposed outside the body of water.

[0030] It will be understood that in use this configuration makes it possible to prevent water from the body of water from slowing down rotation of the paddle wheel, which in particular makes it possible to improve the operating efficiency of the floating turbine.

[0031] According to a particular embodiment, the floating turbine comprises four injectors distributed at 90 degrees to each other around the axis of rotation.

[0032] It will be understood, however, that, according to variants, the floating turbine may comprise another number of injectors. It will also be understood that the number of injectors of the floating turbine must be greater than or equal to three, in particular to ensure that each flexible water supply pipe applies its pressure force to the chassis in the predetermined direction of rotation. The floating turbine may, for example, comprise three injectors distributed at 120 degrees relative to each other around the axis of rotation, or generally N injectors distributed at N / 360 degrees relative to each other around the axis of rotation, with N greater than or equal to three. It will also be understood that, regardless of the number of injectors, the floating turbine comprises as many flexible water supply pipes as injectors.

[0033] According to a particular embodiment, the impeller is a vertical axis centripetal feed type impeller, with blades having concave surfaces configured to, in use, be oriented towards the injectors.

[0034] According to a particular embodiment, in a top view, each outlet opening of an injector is configured to orient the water flow according to an injection angle of between 2 and 35 degrees, preferably between 10 and 25 degrees, the injection angle being defined locally for each water molecule of the water flow in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation and relative to a tangent to the impeller perpendicular to an extension of a diameter of the impeller passing through the center of the outlet opening of the injector.

[0035] The present invention also relates to an electricity production facility characterized in that the electricity production facility is arranged in an area where a body of water subject to tides extends and that the electricity production facility comprises: a water retention dike configured to form, on the downstream side, at least one cove and to define, on the upstream side, a water retention basin, the water retention dike comprising, for each cove, at least three water intakes extending from an inner periphery of the cove, on the body of water side, so as to be regularly distributed over the inner periphery of the cove and to be arranged in the same plane parallel to the water level of the body of water when the body of water is calm, and conduits extending in the same plane as the water intakes of the cove and configured to convey water between the water retention basin and the water intakes of the cove,each conduit comprising a water inlet, on the water retention basin side; and as many floating turbines according to the invention as there are coves, the or each floating turbine being arranged on the expanse of water subject to the tides in a respective cove downstream of the water retention dike and comprising as many flexible water supply pipes as the cove comprises water intakes, each flexible water supply pipe being connected to a water intake in a one-to-one manner.,

[0036] An electricity production installation according to the invention is perfectly suited to taking advantage of the energy of the sea, and in particular of the movements of water linked to the tides.

[0037] The area where the body of water subject to tides extends is, for example, an estuary or an area located near the mouth of a river.

[0038] According to a particular embodiment, in a top view, each handle has a lyre shape.

[0039] For the purposes of the invention, the term "lyre shape" means a circular shape open on a portion of its periphery. It will be understood that for each lyre-shaped cove, the opening of the lyre forms an outlet channel in communication with the body of water. A lyre-shaped cove makes it possible in particular to protect the floating turbine received in the cove, as well as a good positioning of the water intakes and the flexible water supply pipes.

[0040] According to a particular embodiment, for the or each cove, a lower interior part of the cove, located below the plane in which the water intakes are located, is shaped like a bowl, a curvature of which is configured to support the flexible water supply pipes of the floating turbine arranged in the cove, as the water level of the body of water below the plane in which the water intakes are located varies.

[0041] Preferably, for each floating turbine / cove pair, the length of the flexible water supply pipes and the shape of the lower inner part of the cove are chosen so that a lower part of the floating turbine never touches a bottom of the cove, even in the low tide position.

[0042] According to a particular embodiment, for the or each handle, the lower inner part of the handle, shaped like a bowl, further comprises a groove for receiving a flexible water supply pipe for each flexible water supply pipe of the floating turbine arranged in the handle, each groove for receiving a flexible water supply pipe having a gutter shape and being configured to progressively receive a flexible water supply pipe, as the water level of the body of water in the lower inner part of the handle, shaped like a bowl, varies.

[0043] It will be understood that the gutter shape allows in particular to receive a flexible water supply pipe without damage.

[0044] According to a particular embodiment, for the or each cove, the water intakes all extend from the inner periphery of the cove at the same inclination in the predetermined direction of rotation of the floating turbine arranged in the cove.

[0045] It will be understood that this configuration makes it possible in particular to better orient the pressure forces of the flexible water supply pipes on the frame of the floating turbine arranged in the handle around the axis of rotation in the predetermined direction of rotation.

[0046] It will also be understood that for an electricity production installation according to the invention the predetermined direction of rotation is defined for each floating turbine / handle pair, and may possibly be different between the different floating turbine / handle pairs of the same electricity production installation.

[0047] According to a particular embodiment, the or each lyre-shaped cove has an outlet channel, in communication with the body of water, arranged between two planes containing, in use, the axis of rotation of the floating turbine arranged in the cove and passing respectively through one of two successive water intakes, preferably, in a top view, the outlet channel opens the periphery of the cove over less than 3 / 5 of a radius centered on the axis of rotation and extending between said two successive water intakes.

[0048] It will be understood that, preferably, the exit channel is narrow.

[0049] According to a particular embodiment, the water retention dam further comprises at least one movable door configured to be opened when a water level of the body of water is greater than or equal to a water level of the water retention basin, so as to fill the water retention basin with water from the body of water.

[0050] It will be understood that each movable gate may comprise one or two leaves. It will also be understood that the water retention dam may comprise several movable gates, for example, to facilitate navigation on the water retention basin. According to a non-preferred variant, each movable gate may be arranged in a conduit formed in the dam.

[0051] According to a particular embodiment, for the or each cove, the water intakes are arranged at a height less than or equal to an average water level of the body of water at mid-tide at the location of the water retention dike, that is to say at a height less than or equal to an average intermediate water level at the location of the water retention dike between high tide and low tide.

[0052] It will be understood that this configuration makes it possible in particular to improve the range of use during which the electricity production installation can produce electricity.

[0053] According to a particular embodiment, the electricity production installation further comprises a nozzle for each conduit, each nozzle being connected to the water inlet of a conduit, and each nozzle having a hydrodynamic shape curved towards a bottom of the water retention basin configured to promote an inflow of water from the bottom of the water retention basin, such that, in use, a water surface of the water retention basin is not disturbed by vortices.

[0054] According to a particular embodiment, for each flexible water supply pipe, a diameter of the flexible water supply pipe is less than a diameter of the conduit configured to convey water between the water retention basin and the water intake to which said flexible water supply pipe is configured to be connected, the water intake being conical between the conduit and the flexible water supply pipe.

[0055] It will be understood that this configuration makes it possible in particular to increase the water pressure in the flexible water supply pipe so as to improve the rotation of the bladed wheel of the floating turbine and the operating efficiency of the electricity production installation.

[0056] According to a particular embodiment, the electricity production facility further comprises a system for controlling the supply of water to the or each floating turbine, the water supply control system comprising at least one of: a plurality of valves, each valve being arranged at a water intake; a plurality of valves, each valve being arranged at a water inlet of a conduit; a lock gate defining a buffer basin between the water retention basin and the water inlets of the conduits configured to supply water to the or each floating turbine; and as many lock gates as there are floating turbines, the or each lock gate defining a buffer basin between the water retention basin and the water inlets of the conduits configured to supply water to a respective floating turbine.

[0057] The valves can for example be guillotine valves.

[0058] According to a particular embodiment, the electricity production facility further comprises a control device configured to control an opening and a closing of the at least one movable door of the water retaining dike and to control an actuation of the water supply control system; preferably, the control device is configured to control an opening of the at least one movable door when the tide is rising and the water level of the water retaining basin is less than or equal to the water level of the body of water, so as to fill the water retaining basin; to control a closing of the at least one movable door when the tide is high;to control an actuation of the water supply control system to supply water to the at least one floating turbine, so as to produce electricity, when the tide is falling and a height difference between the water level of the water retention basin and the water level of the body of water reaches a first predetermined value, preferably between; And , preferably still between And , and more preferably between And , corresponding to the average tidal range at the location of the electricity production facility; and to control an actuation of the water supply control system so as to stop the water supply to the at least one floating turbine when the tide is rising and a difference in height between the water level of the water retention basin and the water level of the body of water reaches a second predetermined value, preferably between And and less than or equal to the first predetermined value.

[0059] The control device may in particular be an electronic device, for example a processor, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), comprising or associated with memory which contains instructions for controlling the electricity production installation. The control device may also comprise inputs / outputs or even communication devices, wireless or wired.

[0060] The present invention also relates to a method for producing electricity for an electricity production installation according to the invention, characterized in that the method comprises the steps of: when the tide is rising and the water level of the water retention basin is less than or equal to the water level of the body of water, opening the at least one movable gate of the water retention dike, so as to fill the water retention basin; when the tide is high, closing the at least one movable gate of the water retention dike; when a difference in height between the water level of the water retention basin and the water level of the body of water reaches a first predetermined value, actuating the water supply control system to supply water to the at least one floating turbine, so as to produce electricity;and when the tide is rising and a height difference between the water level of the water retention basin and the water level of the body of water reaches a second predetermined value, actuating the water supply control system so as to stop the water supply to the at least one floating turbine.;

[0061] It will be understood that, according to variants, in the case where the electricity production installation comprises several movable doors, the different movable doors can be opened simultaneously or separately according to the needs, for example according to the needs of filling the water retention basin or according to the needs of navigation on the water retention basin.

[0062] It will also be understood that, preferably, the steps of the method are carried out by a control device of the electricity production installation.

[0063] According to a particular embodiment, the first predetermined value for the height difference is between And , preferably between And , preferably still between And , and the second predetermined value for the height difference is between And and is less than or equal to the first predetermined value, corresponding to the average tidal range at the location of the electricity production facility.

[0064] Particular embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0065] On these drawings:

[0066] is a perspective view of a floating electricity generating turbine according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0067] is an enlarged view of the floating turbine, the flexible water supply pipes are not shown for clarity.

[0068] is an enlarged view of the floating turbine, at the connection between an injector and a flexible water supply pipe.

[0069] is a top view of the floating turbine, in use, in a high tide position or a low tide position.

[0070] is a top view of the floating turbine, in use, in a mid-tide position.

[0071] is a schematic view, at low tide, of an electricity production installation according to one embodiment of the invention, comprising three floating turbines according to the.

[0072] is a perspective view of a cove and a floating turbine of an electricity generation facility according to the embodiment of the, the floating turbine is shown in both a high tide position, a mid-tide position and a low tide position.

[0073] is a sectional view of the.

[0074] is a top view of the, only the position of the floating turbine at low tide is shown for clarity.

[0075] Referring first to the, it can be seen that there is shown a floating turbine 1 for producing electricity according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprising a frame 2, a bladed wheel 3, an electric generator 4, four injectors 5 and four flexible water supply pipes 6.

[0076] According to the invention, the floating turbine 1 is configured to be arranged on a body of water E subject to tides in a cove 120 downstream of a water retaining dike 110 forming the cove 120. This configuration of use will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 4 to 7 when describing an electricity production installation 100 according to the present invention.

[0077] The frame 2 defines an axis of rotation A. As best seen in the, in the embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 3b, the frame 2 comprises an octagonal central platform 2a connected to a square upper platform 2b by spacers 2c, here four in number, extending obliquely between the central platform 2a and the upper platform 2b, such that the central platform 2a, the upper platform 2b and the spacers 2c together define a frustoconical shape. The axis of rotation passes through a center of the central platform 2a and a center of the upper platform 2b.

[0078] The central platform 2a, the upper platform 2b and the struts 2c are preferably made of metal, for example stainless steel so as to resist corrosion in a marine environment. It will be understood, however, that the central platform 2a, the upper platform 2b and the struts 2c may, according to variants, also be made of other materials, for example composite or wood. It will be understood that the struts 2c may be fixed to the central platform 2a and the upper platform 2b by any means, for example by welding, bolting, gluing or riveting. It will also be understood that the struts 2c, the central platform 2a and the upper platform 2b may be formed in one piece. It will also be understood that the central platform 2a and the upper platform 2b may have other shapes.The central platform 2a may for example be polygonal or circular, and the upper platform 2b may for example be rectangular, polygonal or circular. It will also be understood that the chassis 2 could comprise more than four spacers 2c.

[0079] The frame 2 further comprises a float assembly 21. The float assembly 21 is configured to float the floating turbine 1 and defines a waterline 22 for the floating turbine 1. The floating turbine 1 is further configured such that the axis of rotation A is normal to a plane containing the waterline 22, called the waterline.

[0080] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 3b, the float assembly 21 is arranged under the central platform 2a. The float assembly 21 will be described in more detail below.

[0081] The impeller 3 is rotatably connected to the frame 2 and is configured to rotate about the axis of rotation A in a predetermined direction of rotation. As best seen in the, in the embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 3b, the impeller 3 is rotatably connected to the upper platform 2b of the frame 2 and is arranged in an interior space of the frame 2. It will be understood that, preferably, a bearing, for example a ball bearing, is used to guide the impeller 3 in rotation relative to the upper platform 2b.

[0082] The impeller 3 comprises a plurality of blades 31 distributed around a circumference of the impeller 3. Preferably, the impeller 3 is a vertical axis centripetal feed type impeller 3, with blades 31 having concave surfaces configured to, in use, be oriented towards the injectors 5.

[0083] As best seen in Figures 3a and 3b, for the embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 3b, in a top view, the predetermined direction of rotation corresponds to the counterclockwise direction. It will be understood, however, that alternatively the floating turbine 1 may be configured so that the predetermined direction of rotation corresponds to the clockwise direction. It will also be understood that such a floating turbine 1 corresponds to the mirror symmetry of the floating turbine shown in Figures 1a to 3b.

[0084] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 3b, the impeller 3 is dimensioned and connected to the frame 2 such that a lower part of the impeller 3 is arranged above the water plane, such that in use the impeller 3 is arranged outside the body of water E. It will be understood that in use this configuration makes it possible to prevent water from the body of water E from slowing down a rotation of the impeller 3, which in particular makes it possible to improve the operating efficiency of the floating turbine 1.

[0085] The electric generator 4 is fixed to the frame 2 and is configured to be rotated by the impeller 3 so as to produce electricity. Preferably, the floating turbine 1 further comprises a speed multiplier 41 coupled between the impeller 3 and the electric generator 4, so as to improve the operating efficiency of the floating turbine 1. The electric generator 4 is rotationally secured to the upper platform 2b of the frame 2, if necessary via the speed multiplier 41.

[0086] The injectors 5 are fixed to the chassis 2 and are regularly distributed around an outer periphery of the impeller 3. As can be seen more clearly in Figures 1b and 2, in the embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 3b, each injector 5 is secured to the central platform 2a of the chassis 2 by means of a fixing plate 5a. Each fixing plate 5a can, for example, be fixed to the central platform 2a by welding, bolting or riveting. Each injector 5 is preferably fixed to the respective fixing plate 5a by bolting.

[0087] The injectors 5 are arranged in the same plane, parallel to the flotation plane, and each injector 5 comprises an inlet opening 51 and an outlet opening 52.

[0088] For each injector 5, the outlet opening 52 is configured to, in use, direct tangentially to the paddle wheel 3 a flow of water received by the inlet opening 51 towards the blades 31 of the paddle wheel 3 opposite said injector 5, so as to cause rotation of the paddle wheel 3 around the axis of rotation A in the predetermined direction of rotation.

[0089] It will be understood that, for each injector 5, the way in which the water flow is tangentially oriented towards the blades 31 of the impeller 3 directly influences the operating efficiency of the floating turbine 1.

[0090] For the purposes of the invention and referring for example to Figures 3a and 3b, the injection angle is defined locally, for each water molecule of the water flow, in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation, for example in a top view, and relative to a tangent to the impeller 3 perpendicular to an extension of a diameter of the impeller 3 passing through the center of the outlet opening 52 of the injector 5. Preferably, each outlet opening 52 of an injector 5 is configured to orient the water flow according to an injection angle of between 2 and 35 degrees, more preferably between 10 and 25 degrees.

[0091] Each flexible water supply pipe 6 is configured to have buoyancy in the body of water E when said flexible water supply pipe 6 is filled with water from the body of water E, and to, in use, mechanically anchor the floating turbine 1 to the water retaining dike 110. A floating turbine 1 according to the invention therefore does not require dedicated moorings to anchor the floating turbine 1 to the water retaining dike 110, nor dedicated guide elements to guide a movement of the floating turbine 1 as a function of variation in the water level of the body of water E.

[0092] According to the embodiment shown in the, each flexible water supply pipe 6 comprises an internal buoyancy layer made of a material configured to confer buoyancy to the flexible water supply pipe 6. It will be understood, however, that, according to variants, the buoyancy may be conferred by several internal layers of the flexible water supply pipe 6, or by one or more external buoyancy devices made of a material configured to confer buoyancy to the flexible water supply pipe 6.

[0093] The external buoyancy devices may for example be floats sequentially distributed along the flexible water supply pipe 6. It will further be understood that floats sequentially distributed along the flexible water supply pipe 6 may protect the flexible water supply pipe 6 against wear by friction, for example friction against the handle 120, and are preferably replaceable to be changed when they are too worn.

[0094] For the purposes of the invention, the term "having buoyancy" means having the ability to remain on the surface and not sink in the body of water E. It will be understood that this characteristic is notably linked to the salinity of the water used.

[0095] According to a particular embodiment, each flexible water supply pipe 6 can be configured so that, when filled with water, it has a buoyancy capacity with a part emerging from the water. The part emerging from the water can for example have a volume of between 2% and 20% of a total volume of the flexible water supply pipe 6.

[0096] According to the invention, each flexible water supply pipe 6 is also configured to be connected to one of the injectors 5 in a one-to-one manner and to be fluidically connected, at a first end 61, to the inlet opening 51 of the injector 5 to which it is connected.

[0097] Furthermore, each flexible water supply pipe 6 is also configured to be, in use, fluidically connected, at a second end 62, to a water intake 130 extending from an inner periphery of the handle 120. In addition, according to the invention, the flexible water supply pipes 6 are configured to all have the same length and to be connected in a one-to-one manner to water intakes 130 regularly distributed over the inner periphery of the handle 120 and arranged in the same plane, parallel to the water level when the water level E is calm.

[0098] For example, for use with a cove 120 having a radius of 8 meters and a floating turbine 1 having a frame 2 whose radius is 2 meters, the length of the flexible water supply pipes 6 can for example be between 9 and 12 meters.

[0099] Each flexible water supply pipe 6 is further configured to comprise a reinforcement, resistant to traction and compression in a longitudinal direction of the flexible water supply pipe 6. It will be understood in particular that, for each flexible water supply pipe 6, the reinforcement makes it possible to guarantee that the length of the flexible water supply pipe 6 remains constant throughout the use of the floating turbine 1.

[0100] The frame is also configured to allow, in use, the flexible water supply pipe 6, once connected to a water intake 130 and to an injector 5, to exert a pressure force on the chassis 2 in the predetermined direction of rotation, via the injector 5 to which it is connected. It will be understood that the buoyancy of the flexible water supply pipes 6 makes it possible in particular to prevent the flexible water supply pipes 6 from sinking and to ensure that the pressure forces are properly applied to the chassis 2.

[0101] Furthermore, all the injectors 5 are fixed to the frame 2 at the same inclination in the predetermined direction of rotation and are configured to orient the pressure forces of the flexible water supply pipes 6 around the axis of rotation A in the predetermined direction of rotation, such that, in use, any movement of the floating turbine 1 caused by a variation in the water level of the body of water E is automatically combined with a rotational movement of the floating turbine 1 around the axis of rotation A, caused jointly by all the flexible water supply pipes 6, the first ends 61 of the flexible water supply pipes 6 being respectively wound and unwound around the floating turbine 1 according to the variations in the water level of the body of water E.

[0102] It will be understood that, in use, when moving the floating turbine 1 from the high tide position MH, or from the low tide position MB, to the mid-tide position MM, the floating turbine 1 rotates in the predetermined direction of rotation, i.e., counterclockwise in Figures 3a and 3b. Similarly, it will be understood that, in use, when moving the floating turbine 1 from the mid-tide position MM to the high tide position MH, or to the low tide position MB, the floating turbine 1 rotates in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction of rotation, i.e., clockwise in Figures 3a and 3b.

[0103] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the reinforcement of each water supply hose 6 is configured to prevent deformation of an inner cross-section of the water supply hose 6, such that the inner cross-section remains constant when in the laboratory a vacuum of 1 bar is applied in said water supply hose 6. Preferably, the reinforcement of each water supply hose 6 is further configured to provide resistance against kinking, crushing and local loading of the water supply hose 6. The water supply hoses 6 may for example be of the dredging and discharge hose type.

[0104] The floating turbine 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 3b comprises four injectors 5 distributed at 90 degrees relative to each other around the axis of rotation A. It will however be understood that, according to variants, the floating turbine 1 may comprise another number of injectors 5. It will also be understood that the number of injectors 5 of the floating turbine 1 must be greater than or equal to three, in particular to ensure that each flexible water supply pipe 6 applies its pressure force to the chassis in the predetermined direction of rotation. The floating turbine 1 may for example comprise three injectors 5 distributed at 120 degrees relative to each other around the axis of rotation A, or generally N injectors 5 distributed at N / 360 degrees relative to each other around the axis of rotation A, with N greater than or equal to three.

[0105] It will also be understood that whatever the number of injectors 5, the floating turbine 1 comprises as many flexible water supply pipes 6 as there are injectors 5.

[0106] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 3b, the float assembly 21 comprises four float units 23, i.e. as many float units 23 as the floating turbine 1 comprises injectors 5.

[0107] As best seen in Figures 3a and 3B, the float units 23 and the injectors 5 are sequentially distributed around the periphery of the impeller 3, and each float unit 23 comprises a single float. According to variants, each float unit 23 could comprise several floats associated with each other to form the float unit 23, or all the floats could be connected together to form a single float unit 23 extending around the periphery of the impeller 3.

[0108] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 3b, an outer periphery of the frame 2 is configured to guide the first ends 61 of the flexible water supply pipes 6, and to promote rotation of the floating turbine 1 in the predetermined direction of rotation around the axis of rotation A.

[0109] In particular, still with reference to Figures 3a and 3b, in a top view, the outer periphery of the frame 2 defines four teeth 24, that is to say as many teeth 24 as the floating turbine comprises injectors 5. The teeth 24 and the injectors 5 are sequentially distributed on the periphery of the impeller 3, and a radial extension of each tooth 24 gradually decreases in the predetermined direction of rotation, such that the teeth 24 give the frame 2 a shape similar to a circular saw blade.

[0110] If we also refer to the, it is understood that, in any sectional view along a plane comprising the axis of rotation A, a radial extension of each tooth 24 is maximum at the level of the flotation plane and progressively decreases on either side of the flotation plane, such that, in use, the first ends 61 of the flexible water supply pipes 6 are guided along the outer periphery of the chassis 2 during a winding, or an unwinding, of the flexible water supply pipes 6 caused by a rotation of the floating turbine 1 around the axis of rotation A itself caused by a variation in the water level of the body of water E.

[0111] Referring to Figures 3a and 3b, by way of example, for a floating turbine 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 3b used in an electricity production installation 100 according to the invention which will be described below with reference to Figures 4 to 7, the rotation of the floating turbine 1 around the axis of rotation A between the mid-tide position MM and the high tide position MH, or the low tide position MB, is between 10 and 15 degrees.

[0112] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 3b, the float assembly 21 defines the outer periphery of the frame 2 and the float units 23 form the teeth 24. It will be understood, however, that, according to variants, the arrangement of the frame 2 could be different, the frame 2 could for example comprise a casing defining the outer periphery of the frame 2, forming the teeth 24 and surrounding the float assembly 21.

[0113] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 3b, the outer periphery of the frame 2 is further configured to improve evacuation of the water injected into the impeller 3 by the injectors 5.

[0114] As can be better seen in the, the outer periphery of the frame 2 comprises four openings 25, that is to say as many openings as teeth 24. Each opening 25 is arranged between two successive teeth 24, below an injector 5, and is configured to allow a passage of water from an interior of the floating turbine 1 to an exterior of the floating turbine 1. It will be understood that this configuration makes it possible in particular to improve the evacuation of water towards the exterior of the floating turbine 1, such that the water level of the body of water E does not increase locally inside the floating turbine 1, such that, in use, the body of water E does not come into contact with the impeller 3 when the impeller 3 rotates, which makes it possible not to brake the impeller 3 and to improve the operating efficiency of the floating turbine 1.It will however be understood that, according to variants, other configurations are possible to form openings 25 in the outer periphery of the frame 2, so as to improve evacuation of the water injected into the floating turbine 1.

[0115] The present invention also relates to an electricity production installation 100 configured to be arranged in an area where a body of water E subject to tides extends. The area where the body of water E subject to tides extends is for example an estuary or an area located near the mouth of a river.

[0116] If we refer to the, we can see that there is shown schematically an electricity production installation 100 according to the invention, comprising a water retention dike 110 and three floating turbines 1 according to the invention.

[0117] The water retention dike 110 is configured to form, on the downstream side, three coves 120, and to define, on the upstream side, a water retention basin B, each cove 120 comprising an outlet channel 150 in communication with the body of water E.

[0118] Referring to Figures 5 to 7, it can be seen that the water retention dike 110 comprises, for each cove 120, four water intakes 130 each extending from an inner periphery of the cove 120 so as to be regularly distributed from one another on the inner periphery of the cove 120 and to be arranged in the same plane parallel to the water level of the body of water E when the body of water E is calm.

[0119] As can be better seen in the, for the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 7, for each handle 120, the water intakes 130 all extend from the inner periphery of the handle 120 at the same inclination in the predetermined direction of rotation of the floating turbine 1 arranged in the handle 120. It will be understood that this configuration makes it possible in particular to better orient the pressure forces of the flexible water supply pipes 6 on the frame 2 of the floating turbine 1 arranged in the handle 120 around the axis of rotation A in the predetermined direction of rotation.

[0120] It will also be understood that for an electricity production installation 100 according to the invention the predetermined direction of rotation is defined for each floating turbine 1 / handle 120 pair and may possibly be different between the different floating turbine 1 / handle 120 pairs of the same electricity production installation 100.

[0121] The water retaining dam 110 further comprises, for each cove 120, conduits 140 extending in the same plane as the water intakes 130 of the cove 120 and configured to convey water between the water retaining basin B and the water intakes 130 of the cove 120. Each conduit 140 comprises a water inlet 145, on the water retaining basin B side. According to an embodiment not shown, the electricity production facility 100 further comprises a nozzle for each conduit 140. Each nozzle is connected to the water inlet 145 of a conduit 140 and has a hydrodynamic shape curved towards a bottom of the water retaining basin B configured to promote an inflow of water from the bottom of the water retaining basin B, such that, in use, a water surface of the water retaining basin water retention B is not disturbed by vortices generated by water suction through the water inlets 145 of the conduits 140.

[0122] Referring to Figures 4 to 7, it can be seen that each floating turbine 1 is arranged on the expanse of water E subject to the tides in a respective cove 120 downstream of the water retaining dike 110 and comprises as many flexible water supply pipes 6, and therefore injectors 5, as the cove 120 comprises water intakes 130, i.e. four injectors 5 for the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 7, and each flexible water supply pipe 6 is connected to a water intake 130 in a one-to-one manner.

[0123] However, although the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 7 comprises a water retaining dike 110 forming three coves 120, in each of which is arranged a floating turbine 1 comprising four injectors 5, it will be understood that, according to variants, the electricity production installation 100 could comprise another number of coves 120, and therefore another number of floating turbines 1, and that, as mentioned above, the number of injectors 5 of each floating turbine 1 is greater than three but may be different from four, the number of water intakes 130 and the number of injectors 5 of a cove 120 / floating turbine 1 pair being equal.

[0124] As can be better seen in the, in the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 7, for each flexible water supply pipe 6, a diameter of the flexible water supply pipe 6 is less than a diameter of the conduit 140 configured to convey water between the water retention basin B and the water intake 130 to which said flexible water supply pipe 6 is configured to be connected, the water intake 130 being conical between the conduit 140 and the flexible water supply pipe 6. It will be understood that this configuration makes it possible in particular to increase the water pressure in the flexible water supply pipe 6 so as to improve the rotation of the impeller 3 of the floating turbine 1 and the operating efficiency of the electricity production installation 100.

[0125] As can be better seen in Figures 5 and 7, for the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 7, in a top view, each handle 120 has a lyre shape. This shape makes it possible in particular to protect the floating turbine 1 received in the handle 120, as well as a good positioning of the water intakes 130 and the flexible water supply pipes 6.

[0126] For the purposes of the invention, the term “lyre shape” means a circular shape open on a portion of its periphery. For each lyre-shaped handle 120, the opening of the lyre forms the outlet channel 150 in communication with the body of water E.

[0127] Preferably, the outlet channel 150 is narrow. In particular, the outlet channel 150 may be arranged between two planes containing, in use, the axis of rotation A of the floating turbine 1 arranged in the cove 120 and passing respectively through one of two successive water intakes 130. Preferably still, in a top view, the outlet channel 150 opens the periphery of the cove 120 over less than 3 / 5 of a radius centered on the axis of rotation A and extending between said two successive water intakes 130.

[0128] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, it can be seen that each floating turbine 1 of the electricity generation facility 100 is configured to move between a high tide position MH, a mid-tide position MM, and a low tide position MB depending on the water level variations of the body of water E. It will be understood that, depending on the tidal coefficient, the high tide position MH and the low tide position MB may vary between the different cycles.

[0129] As can be better seen in Figures 5 and 6, it can also be seen that for the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 7, for each handle 120, a lower inner part of the handle 125, located below the plane in which the water intakes 130 are located, is shaped like a bowl, a curvature of which is configured to support the flexible water supply pipes 6 of the floating turbine 1 arranged in the handle 120, as the water level of the body of water E varies below the plane in which the water intakes 130 are located.

[0130] Preferably, for each handle 120, the lower inner portion 125 of the handle 120, shaped in a bowl, further comprises a groove for receiving a flexible water supply pipe 126 for each flexible water supply pipe 6 of the floating turbine 1 arranged in the handle 120. Each flexible water supply pipe receiving groove 126 has a gutter shape and is configured to progressively receive a flexible water supply pipe 6, as the water level of the body of water E in the lower inner portion 125 of the handle 120 shaped in a bowl varies. It will be understood that the gutter shape makes it possible in particular to receive a flexible water supply pipe 6 without damage.

[0131] Preferably, for each floating turbine 1 / cove 120 pair, the length of the flexible water supply pipes 6 and the shape of the lower inner part 125 of the cove 120 are chosen so that a lower part of the floating turbine 1 never touches a bottom of the cove 120, even in the low tide position MB.

[0132] More preferably, for each cove 120, the water intakes 130 are arranged at a height equal to an average water level of the body of water E at mid-tide at the location of the water retaining dike 110, that is to say at a height equal to an average intermediate water level at the location of the water retaining dike 110 between high tide and low tide. It will be understood that this configuration makes it possible in particular to improve the range of use during which the electricity production installation 100 can produce electricity. It will also be understood that, as a variant, the water intakes 130 could be arranged at a height lower than the average water level of the body of water E at mid-tide at the location of the water retaining dike 110.

[0133] According to the embodiment shown in the, the water retaining dam 110 further comprises a movable gate 115 configured to be opened when a water level of the body of water E is greater than or equal to a water level of the water retaining basin B, so as to fill the water retaining basin B with water from the body of water E. It will be understood that the movable gate 115 may comprise two leaves, as schematically shown in the, or, alternatively, a single leaf. It will also be understood that the water retaining dam 110 could comprise several movable gates 115, for example to facilitate navigation on the water retaining basin B, or that the movable gate 115 could be arranged in a conduit formed in the dam 110.

[0134] The electricity generation facility 100 further comprises a water supply control system 135 for each floating turbine 1. In the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 7, the water supply control system 135 comprises a plurality of valves, one valve being disposed at each water intake 130 and being configured to, in use, control the water supply to the flexible water supply pipe 6 connected to the water intake 130. The valves may, for example, be guillotine valves.

[0135] According to variants, the water supply control system 135 could comprise, in addition to or as a replacement for the valves arranged at the water intakes 130 described above, a plurality of valves, each valve being arranged at a water inlet 145 of a conduit 140, or a lock gate defining a buffer basin between the water retention basin B and the water inlets 145 of the conduits 140 configured to supply water to each floating turbine 1, or as many lock gates as there are floating turbines 1, each lock gate defining a buffer basin between the water retention basin B and the water inlets 145 of the conduits 140 configured to supply water to a respective floating turbine 1.

[0136] An electricity generation facility 100 according to the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 7 further comprises a control device 105 configured to control an opening and a closing of the movable gate 115 of the water retaining dam 110, and to control an actuation of the water supply control system 135.

[0137] The control device 105 may in particular be an electronic device, for example a processor, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), comprising or associated with memory which contains instructions for controlling the electricity production installation 100. The control device 105 may also comprise inputs / outputs or even communication devices, wireless or wired.

[0138] In the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 7, the control device 105 is configured to control an opening of the movable gate 115 when the tide is rising and the water level of the water retention basin B is less than or equal to the water level of the body of water E, so as to fill the water retention basin B. The control device 105 is also configured to control a closing of the movable gate 115 when the tide is high, and to control an actuation of the water supply control system 135 to supply water to the floating turbines 1, so as to produce electricity, when the tide is falling and a height difference between the water level of the water retention basin B and the water level of the body of water E reaches a first predetermined value.

[0139] In the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 7, the first predetermined value is between And , preferably between And , and more preferably between And , corresponding to the average tidal range at the location of the electricity production facility 100.

[0140] The control device 105 is also configured to control an actuation of the water supply control system 135 so as to stop the water supply to the floating turbines 1 when the tide is rising and a height difference between the water level of the water retention basin B and the water level of the body of water E reaches a second predetermined value.

[0141] In the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 7, the second predetermined value is between And and is less than or equal to the first predetermined value.

[0142] It will be understood that depending on the needs, for example the electricity production needs for the electricity production installation 100 or the maintenance needs of a floating turbine 1, the control device 105 can be configured to control the water supply of each floating turbine 1 separately from the water supply of the other floating turbines 1.

[0143] A method of using an electricity production installation 100 according to the invention will now be described, comprising a movable door 115 and a water supply control system 135 as described above.

[0144] The method firstly comprises a first step consisting of, when the tide is rising and the water level of the water retention basin B is lower than or equal to the water level of the body of water E, opening the movable door 115 of the water retention dike 110, so as to fill the water retention basin B.

[0145] The method then comprises a second step consisting of, when the tide is high, closing the movable gate 115 of the water retaining dike 110.

[0146] Then, the method comprises a third step consisting in, when a difference in height between the water level of the water retention basin B and the water level of the body of water E reaches a first predetermined value, actuating the water supply control system 135 to supply water to the floating turbines 1, so as to produce electricity.

[0147] The method also comprises a fourth step of, when the tide is rising and a height difference between the water level of the water retention basin B and the water level of the body of water E reaches a second predetermined value, actuating the water supply control system 135 to stop the water supply to the floating turbines.

[0148] Preferably, the first predetermined value for the height difference is between And , preferably still between And , more preferably between And , and the second predetermined value for the height difference is between And and is less than or equal to the first predetermined value, corresponding to the average tidal range at the location of the electricity production facility.

[0149] It will be understood that a method similar to that described above can be used for an electricity production installation 100 according to the invention comprising several movable doors 115, the different movable doors 115 being able to be opened simultaneously or separately according to the needs, for example according to the needs of filling the water retention basin B or according to the needs of navigation on the water retention basin B.

[0150] Preferably, the steps of the method are executed by a control device 105 of the electricity production installation 100.

[0151] It is understood that the particular embodiments which have just been described have been given for informational purposes and are not limiting, and that modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

– Floating turbine (1) for producing electricity, configured to be arranged on a body of water (E) subject to tides in a cove (120) downstream of a water retaining dike (110) forming the cove (120), characterized in that the floating turbine (1) comprises: - a frame (2), defining an axis of rotation (A) and comprising a float assembly (21) configured to float the floating turbine (1), the float assembly (21) defining a waterline (22) for the floating turbine (1) and the floating turbine (1) being further configured such that the axis of rotation (A) is normal to a plane containing the waterline (22), called the waterline; - a bladed wheel (3), connected in rotation to the frame (2) and configured to rotate about the axis of rotation (A) in a predetermined direction of rotation,the paddle wheel (3) comprising a plurality of blades (31) distributed over a circumference of the paddle wheel (3);- an electric generator (4), fixed to the frame (2) and configured to be driven in rotation by the paddle wheel (3) so as to produce electricity;- at least three injectors (5), fixed to the frame (2), regularly distributed around an outer periphery of the paddle wheel (3) and arranged in the same plane, parallel to the waterline, each injector (5) comprising an inlet opening (51) and an outlet opening (52), the outlet opening (52) being configured to, in use, direct tangentially to the paddle wheel (3) a flow of water received by the inlet opening (51) towards the blades (31) of the paddle wheel (3) opposite said injector (5),so as to cause rotation of the impeller (3) around the axis of rotation (A) in the predetermined direction of rotation;- as many flexible water supply pipes (6) as there are injectors (5), each flexible water supply pipe (6) being configured:to have buoyancy in the body of water (E) when said flexible water supply pipe (6) is filled with water from the body of water (E);to, in use, mechanically anchor the floating turbine (1) to the water retaining dike (110);to be connected to one of the injectors (5) in a one-to-one manner;to be fluidically connected, at a first end (61), to the inlet opening (51) of the injector (5) to which it is connected;to be, in use, fluidically connected, at a second end (62), to a water intake (130) extending from an inner periphery of the cove (120), on the body of water (E) side,the flexible water supply pipes (6) being configured to all have the same length and to be connected in a one-to-one manner to water inlets (130) regularly distributed on the inner periphery of the handle (120) and arranged in the same plane, parallel to the water level of the body of water (E) when the body of water (E) is calm; and to comprise a reinforcement, resistant to traction and compression in a longitudinal direction of the flexible water supply pipe (6), configured to, in use, allow the flexible water supply pipe (6), once connected to a water inlet (130) and to an injector (5), to exert a pressure force on the frame (2) in the predetermined direction of rotation, via the injector (5) to which it is connected,all the injectors (5) being fixed to the frame (2) at the same inclination in the predetermined direction of rotation and being configured to orient the pressure forces of the flexible water supply pipes (6) around the axis of rotation (A) in the predetermined direction of rotation, such that, in use, any movement of the floating turbine (1) caused by a variation in the water level of the body of water (E), is automatically combined with a rotational movement of the floating turbine (1) around the axis of rotation (A), caused jointly by all the flexible water supply pipes (6), the first ends (61) of the flexible water supply pipes (6) being respectively wound and unwound around the floating turbine (1) according to the variations in the water level of the body of water (E)., – Floating turbine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, for each flexible water supply pipe (6), the reinforcement is configured to prevent deformation of an internal cross-section of the flexible water supply pipe (6), such that the internal cross-section remains constant when in the laboratory a vacuum of 1 bar is applied in said flexible water supply pipe (6). – Floating turbine (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, for each flexible water supply pipe (6), the reinforcement is further configured to provide resistance against twisting, crushing and local loading of the flexible water supply pipe (6). – Floating turbine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each flexible water supply pipe (6) comprises at least one of: an internal buoyancy layer made of a material configured to confer buoyancy to said flexible water supply pipe (6) and an external buoyancy device made of a material configured to confer buoyancy to said flexible water supply pipe (6). – Floating turbine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the float assembly (21) comprises as many float units (23) as the floating turbine (1) comprises injectors (5), the float units (23) and the injectors (5) being sequentially distributed around the periphery of the impeller (3), and each float unit (23) comprising at least one float. – Floating turbine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, in a top view, an outer periphery of the frame (2) defines as many teeth (24) as the floating turbine (1) comprises injectors (5), the teeth (24) and the injectors (5) being sequentially distributed on the periphery of the impeller (3), and a radial extension of each tooth (24) gradually decreasing in the predetermined direction of rotation, such that the teeth (24) give the frame (2) a shape similar to a circular saw blade, and, in any sectional view along a plane including the axis of rotation (A), a radial extension of each tooth (24) is maximum at the flotation plane and gradually decreases on either side of the flotation plane, such that, in use,the first ends (61) of the flexible water supply pipes (6) are guided along the outer periphery of the frame (2) during winding, or unwinding, of the flexible water supply pipes (6), caused by a rotation of the floating turbine (1) around the axis of rotation (A), caused by a variation in the water level of the body of water (E)., – Floating turbine (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the outer periphery of the frame (2) comprises as many openings (25) as teeth (24), each opening (24) being arranged between two successive teeth (24), below an injector (25), and being configured to allow water to pass from an interior of the floating turbine (1) to an exterior of the floating turbine (1). – Floating turbine (1) according to any one of claims 6 or 7 taken as dependent on claim 6, characterized in that the float assembly (21) defines the outer periphery of the frame (2) and that the float units (23) form the teeth (24). – Floating turbine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the floating turbine (1) further comprises a speed multiplier (41) coupled between the bladed wheel (3) and the electric generator (4). – Floating turbine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the impeller (3) is dimensioned and connected to the frame (2) in such a way that a lower part of the impeller (3) is arranged at or above the waterline, so that in use the impeller (3) is arranged outside the body of water (E). – Floating turbine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the floating turbine (1) comprises four injectors (5) distributed at 90 degrees to each other around the axis of rotation (A). – Floating turbine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the impeller (3) is a vertical axis centripetal feed type impeller (3), with blades (31) having concave surfaces configured to, in use, be oriented towards the injectors (5). – Floating turbine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, in a top view, each outlet opening (52) of an injector (5) is configured to orient the water flow at an injection angle of between 2 and 35 degrees, preferably between 10 and 25 degrees, the injection angle being defined locally for each water molecule of the water flow in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation (A) and relative to a tangent to the impeller (3) perpendicular to an extension of a diameter of the impeller (3) passing through the center of the outlet opening (52) of the injector (5). – Electricity production facility (100) characterized in that the electricity production facility (100) is arranged in an area where a body of water (E) subject to tides extends and that the electricity production facility (100) comprises:- a water retaining dike (110) configured to form, on the downstream side, at least one cove (120) and to define, on the upstream side, a water retaining basin (B), the water retaining dike (110) comprising, for each cove (120), at least three water intakes (130) extending from an inner periphery of the cove (120), on the body of water (E) side, so as to be regularly distributed over the inner periphery of the cove (120) and to be arranged in the same plane parallel to the water level of the body of water (E) when the body of water (E) is calm,and conduits (140) extending in the same plane as the water intakes (130) of the cove (120) and configured to convey water between the water retention basin (B) and the water intakes (130) of the cove (120), each conduit (140) comprising a water inlet (145), on the water retention basin (B) side; and- as many floating turbines (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 13, as there are coves (120), the or each floating turbine (1) being arranged on the body of water (E) subject to the tides in a respective cove (120) downstream of the water retaining dike (110) and comprising as many flexible water supply pipes (6) as the cove (120) comprises water intakes (130), each flexible water supply pipe (6) being connected to a water intake (130) in a one-to-one manner., – Electricity production installation (100) according to claim 14, characterized in that, in a top view, each handle (120) has a lyre shape. – Electricity production installation (100) according to claim 14 or claim 15, characterized in that, for the or each handle (120), a lower inner part (125) of the handle (120), located below the plane in which the water intakes (130) are located, is shaped like a bowl, a curvature of which is configured to support the flexible water supply pipes (6) of the floating turbine (1) arranged in the handle (120), as the water level of the body of water (E) varies below the plane in which the water intakes (130) are located. – Electricity production installation (100) according to claim 16, characterized in that, for the or each handle (120), the lower inner part (125) of the handle (120) shaped in a bowl shape further comprises a groove for receiving a flexible water supply pipe (126) for each flexible water supply pipe (6) of the floating turbine (1) arranged in the handle (120), each flexible water supply pipe receiving groove (126) having a gutter shape and being configured to progressively receive a flexible water supply pipe (6), as the water level of the body of water (E) in the lower inner part (125) of the handle (120) shaped in a bowl shape varies. – Electricity production installation (100) according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that, for the or each handle (120), the water intakes (130) all extend from the inner periphery of the handle (120) at the same inclination in the predetermined direction of rotation of the floating turbine (1) arranged in the handle (120). – Electricity production installation (100) according to any one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that the water retaining dam (110) further comprises at least one movable door (115) configured to be opened when a water level of the body of water (E) is greater than or equal to a water level of the water retaining basin (B), so as to fill the water retaining basin (B) with water coming from the body of water (E). – Electricity production installation (100) according to any one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that, for the or each cove (120), the water intakes (130) are arranged at a height less than or equal to an average water level of the body of water (E) at mid-tide at the location of the water retaining dike (110), that is to say at a height less than or equal to an average intermediate water level at the location of the water retaining dike (110) between high tide and low tide. – An electricity production facility (100) according to any one of claims 14 to 20, characterized in that the electricity production facility (100) further comprises a nozzle for each conduit (140), each nozzle (140) being connected to the water inlet (145) of a conduit (140), and each nozzle having a hydrodynamic shape curved towards a bottom of the water retention basin (B) configured to promote an inflow of water from the bottom of the water retention basin (B), such that, in use, a water surface of the water retention basin (B) is not disturbed by vortices. – Electricity production installation (100) according to any one of claims 14 to 21, characterized in that, for each flexible water supply pipe (6), a diameter of the flexible water supply pipe (6) is less than a diameter of the conduit (140) configured to convey water between the water retention basin (B) and the water intake (130) to which said flexible water supply pipe (6) is configured to be connected, the water intake (130) being conical between the conduit (140) and the flexible water supply pipe (6). – Electricity production facility (100) according to any one of claims 14 to 22, characterized in that the electricity production facility (100) further comprises a water supply control system (135) for the or each floating turbine (1), the water supply control system (135) comprising at least one of: a plurality of valves, each valve being arranged at a water intake (130); a plurality of valves, each valve being arranged at a water inlet (145) of a conduit (140); a lock gate defining a buffer basin between the water retention basin (B) and the water inlets (145) of the conduits (140) configured to supply water to the or each floating turbine (1);and as many lock gates as there are floating turbines (1), the or each lock gate defining a buffer basin between the water retention basin (B) and the water inlets (145) of the conduits (140) configured to supply water to a respective floating turbine (1).; – Electricity production facility (100) according to claim 23 taken as a dependency of claim 19, characterized in that the electricity production facility (100) further comprises a control device (105) configured to control an opening and a closing of the at least one movable door (115) of the water retaining dike (110) and to control an actuation of the water supply control system (135); preferably, the control device (105) is configured to control an opening of the at least one movable door (115) when the tide is rising and the water level of the water retaining basin (B) is less than or equal to the water level of the body of water (E), so as to fill the water retaining basin (B); to control a closing of the at least one movable door (115) when the tide is high;to control an actuation of the water supply control system (135) to supply water to the at least one floating turbine (1), so as to produce electricity, when the tide is falling and a height difference between the water level of the water retention basin (B) and the water level of the body of water (E) reaches a first predetermined value, preferably between; And , preferably still between And , and more preferably between And , corresponding to the average tidal range at the location of the electricity production facility (100); and to control an actuation of the water supply control system (135) so as to stop the water supply to the at least one floating turbine (1) when the tide is rising and a difference in height between the water level of the water retention basin (B) and the water level of the body of water (E) reaches a second predetermined value, preferably between And and less than or equal to the first predetermined value. – A method of generating electricity for an electricity generating facility (100) according to claim 24 or according to claim 23 taken as a dependency of claim 19, characterized in that the method comprises the steps of:- when the tide is rising and the water level of the water retention basin (B) is less than or equal to the water level of the body of water (E), opening the at least one movable gate (115) of the water retention dike (110), so as to fill the water retention basin (B);- when the tide is high, closing the at least one movable gate (115) of the water retention dike (110);- when a difference in height between the water level of the water retention basin (B) and the water level of the body of water (E) reaches a first predetermined value, actuating the water supply control system (135) to supply water the at least one floating turbine (1), so as to produce electricity;and- when the tide is rising and a difference in height between the water level of the water retention basin (B) and the water level of the body of water (E) reaches a second predetermined value, actuating the water supply control system (135) so as to stop the water supply to the at least one floating turbine (1).; – Method according to claim 25, characterized in that the first predetermined value for the height difference is between And , preferably between And , preferably still between And , and the second predetermined value for the height difference is between And and is less than or equal to the first predetermined value, corresponding to the average tidal range at the location of the electricity production facility (100).

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